Method and apparatus for an electronic equipment rack

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for an electronic equipment rack that provides mobility through directional self-propulsion and multi-axis suspension. The electronic equipment rack further provides self-powered operation and environmental control with wireless access, while protecting against unauthorized access, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and dust contamination. An alternate embodiment provides a non-mobile electronic equipment rack with multi-axis suspension, while optionally providing wireless access and protection against unauthorized access and the environment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to electronic equipment racks,and more particularly to self-powered, electronic, air conditionedelectronic equipment racks with multi-axis suspension.

BACKGROUND

The proliferation of technology in today's society has created such adependence that life without it would likely cease to exist as it isknown today. For example, the convenience of communication devices suchas wireless telephones, wireless pagers, and personal digital assistants(PDAs) have facilitated visual, audible, and tactile communications tobe conducted virtually anytime and anywhere.

Portable computing devices, such as laptop computers, have alsocontributed to technology proliferation, since they allow productiveactivity in a hotel room, on an airplane, or simply in the comfort ofone's own home. Individuals, however, are not the only members ofsociety that are taking advantage of today's technology. Business unitsin virtually all fields of commerce have come to depend upon theadvancement of technology to provide the edge that is required to keepthem competitive.

A particular business entities' operations, for example, may requireprimarily static operational facilities, or conversely may requireprimarily dynamic operational facilities. Regardless of the nature ofthe business entities' operations, they will most likely depend uponadvancements in technology to maintain their competitive edge. Theoperations of disaster relief organizations, for example, may becharacterized as primarily dynamic, since the locale of a disasterrelief organizations' operations may be the epicenter of a recentearthquake, or a flood zone left in the wake of a recent hurricane.Other primarily dynamic business operations may be exemplified by thoseof a local crime scene investigation (CSI) laboratory, whose primaryactivities include the collection and analysis of forensic evidence at aremote crime scene. Other primarily dynamic business operations mayinclude those of news and movie industries, whereby collection ofdigital data is the primary objective during their respectiveoperations.

Conversely, the characterization of a particular business entities'operation may be one that is primarily static. For example,telecommunication facilities are often provided all over the world tofacilitate wireless and/or terrestrial based communications. Suchinstallations often include switch equipment rooms that include a largenumber of electronic equipment racks that have been installed to provideboth circuit switched, and packet switched, data exchange. Other formsof primarily static installations may include data migration centers,which offer large amounts of storage capability for a variety ofapplications that require data integrity.

It can be seen, therefore, that business operations conforming to eitherof the primarily static, or primarily dynamic, paradigm have occasion toprovide electronic facilities that require at least some aspects ofmobility. Primarily dynamic entities, for example, are often faced withthe daunting task of mobilizing data computation and data storagefacilities into an area that is not particularly conducive to suchoperations. A military unit, for example, may require temporary datastorage and computational facilities at a site that is primarilycharacterized by extreme conditions, such as a desert or tropicalenvironment. As such, the data computation/storage facilities requiredby the military unit are required to be mobile and operational in anenvironment that is particularly prone to at least one of hightemperature, high humidity, and/or dust contamination. Furthermore, suchan environment may not be particularly secure, nor topographicallyconducive, to the transportability of highly sensitive electronics.

Primarily static entities are also in need of mobile electronicfacilities, since such facilities may be vulnerable to equipmentfailure, or simply may be in need of equipment upgrade. As such, amobile electronic solution is needed to provide electronic equipmentreplacement, or augmentation, to fully support the replacement of failedelectronics, or to augment the current capabilities of the electronicfacility.

Traditional electronic mobility solutions, however, simply fail in manyrespects to meet the demands of today's electronic mobilityrequirements. While traditional mobile electronic solutions may attemptto address the mundane and relatively unimportant aspects of mobility,they simply fall short of the more critical aspects of electronicmobility, such as shock absorption, environmental control, security,power conditioning, wireless data access, etc. Efforts continue,therefore, to provide a substantially complete solution for today'smobile electronic equipment needs.

SUMMARY

To overcome limitations in the prior art, and to overcome otherlimitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification, various embodiments of the present inventiondisclose an apparatus and method of providing electronic equipment rackmobility. Certain of the mobility characteristics may includedirectional self-propulsion, multi-axis suspension, biometric security,wireless data interfacing, on-board power conditioning, andenvironmental control.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an electroniccomponent transport system comprises a platform having first and secondsurfaces and a mobility control device that is coupled to the firstsurface of the platform and is adapted to provide directional propulsionof the platform. The electronic component transport system furthercomprises a first enclosure that is coupled to the second surface of theplatform and a second enclosure that is coupled to the second surface ofthe platform and the first enclosure. The second enclosure is adapted toaccept a plurality of electronic components. The electronic componenttransport system further comprises a suspension system that is coupledto the first and second enclosures and to the second surface of theplatform and is adapted to isolate a position of the second enclosurefrom relative position variations of the platform and the firstenclosure. The suspension system includes a first suspension device thatis coupled to the second enclosure and the second surface of theplatform. The first suspension device is adapted to maintain a positionof the second enclosure between a minimum and a maximum distance in afirst direction relative to the first enclosure. The suspension systemincludes a second suspension device that is coupled to the secondenclosure and is statically programmed to dampen movement of the secondenclosure between the minimum and the maximum distance relative to thefirst enclosure. The electronic component transport system furthercomprises a third enclosure encompassing the first and secondenclosures. The third enclosure includes a power conditioner that iscoupled to receive an input power signal and is adapted to provide aconditioned power signal to the plurality of electronic components inresponse to the input power signal. The third enclosure further includesan environment control unit that is adapted to maintain the plurality ofelectronic components at a substantially constant temperature.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a mobileequipment rack assembly comprises a platform that is adapted to providedirectional propulsion. The mobile equipment rack assembly furthercomprises a first rack that is coupled to the platform and a second rackthat is coupled to the first rack and the platform, where the secondrack is encapsulated by the first rack. The mobile equipment rackassembly further comprises a shock absorption unit that is coupled tothe first and second racks. The shock absorption unit includes a weightbearing device that is coupled to the second rack and is adapted tomaintain a position of the second rack within a first range of distancein a first direction relative to the first rack. The shock absorptionunit further includes a dampening device that is coupled to the secondrack. The dampening device is statically programmed to dampen movementof the second rack within the first range of distance.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an equipmentrack assembly comprises a first rack that is coupled to a platform, asecond rack that is coupled to the first rack and the platform, and ashock absorption unit that is coupled to the first and second racks. Theshock absorption unit includes a weight bearing device that is coupledto the second rack and the platform and is adapted to maintain aposition of the second rack within a first range of distance relative tothe first rack. The shock absorption unit further includes a dampeningdevice that is coupled to the second rack and is statically programmedto dampen movement of the second rack within the first range ofdistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparentupon review of the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary mobile electronic equipment rack;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the mobile electronic equipmentrack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates illustrated an alternate view of the mobileelectronic equipment rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of a multi-axissuspension system;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of an alternate,multi-axis suspension system;

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method of providingcoarse suspension control; and

FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method of providingfine suspension control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the various embodiments of the present invention are appliedto an electronic equipment rack that, inter alia, may provide mobilitythrough directional self-propulsion and multi-axis suspension. Theelectronic equipment rack may further provide self-powered operation andenvironmental control with wireless access, while protecting againstunauthorized access, electromagnetic interference, and dustcontamination.

In one embodiment, for example, the mobile electronic equipment rack mayutilize a two-sided platform, whereby support is provided for electroniccomponents mounted on one side of the platform and directionalpropulsion is provided on the other side of the platform. Directionalcontrol may be provided via a wired, electronic tether, or converselymay be provided via wireless control.

Accordingly, the mobile electronic equipment rack may first be fullypopulated with electronic components and then utilized as a remotelypiloted transport mechanism to transport the mobile electronic equipmentrack to any position/location that may be necessary for a givenapplication. A multi-axis suspension system may be further employedwithin the mobile electronic equipment rack to substantially eliminatethe transfer of kinetic energy to the electronic components that arecontained within the mobile electronic equipment rack duringpositioning/relocation.

In an alternate embodiment, a non-mobile electronic equipment rack maybe provided without directional self-propulsion. In this instance, amulti-axis suspension system is nevertheless employed so that kineticenergy resulting from, for example, seismic events may be substantiallyabsorbed. Non-mobile electronic equipment racks in non-stableenvironments, such as on water based vessels or off-shore oil dereks,may also be equipped with a multi-axis suspension system so as tosubstantially absorb wave induced kinetic energy.

Other, non-mobile electronic equipment rack applications may includeairborne applications, whereby kinetic energy transfers due toatmospheric turbulence may also be substantially eliminated. Still othernon-mobile electronic equipment rack applications may include motorvehicle based applications, whereby kinetic energy transfers due tonon-ideal road conditions may also be substantially eliminated.

In either of the mobile, or non-mobile, electronic equipment rackembodiments, a dual mode, dampened suspension system is utilized. In thefirst mode of suspension, coarse suspension control is provided toeffect a weigh bearing support, whereby the magnitude of supportprovided adapts to the combined weight of the electronic components andtheir respective mounting enclosure. For example, as electroniccomponents are added, the coarse suspension control adapts by increasingthe amount of opposing force that is necessary to maintain the positionof the electronic components within a coarse position range. Conversely,as electronic components are removed, the coarse suspension controladapts by decreasing the amount of opposing force that is necessary tomaintain the position of the electronic components within the coarseposition range.

In a second mode of suspension, fine suspension control is providedthrough a damper mechanism, which opposes movement and seeks to maintaina position of the payload within a fine position range. In a firstembodiment, a static, magnetorheologically (MR) controlled damper forcemay be applied to effect static dampening. In particular, a staticallycontrolled MR damper signal is provided to the damper mechanism toprovide a fixed amount of damper force to maintain the mountingenclosure within a fine position range.

In an alternate embodiment, the damper force may be adaptive, such thatthe magnitude of the damper force is set in response to an adaptive, MRfeedback control signal from, for example, a micro-electro mechanicalsystem (MEMS) accelerometer measurement device. As such, the damperforce may be adaptively increased in response to accelerometer feedbackindicating increased acceleration. Conversely, the damper force may beadaptively decreased in response to accelerometer feedback indicatingdecreased acceleration.

Once the electronic equipment rack arrives at its designatedposition/location, or conversely is operated in a non-mobile applicationas discussed above, power may be applied to the electronic equipmentrack via an external power bus, so that each electronic component withinthe electronic equipment rack may be made to be fully operational.Operational power is typically applied in an alternating current (AC)mode, which in one embodiment, may necessitate conversion to a directcurrent (DC) mode prior to application to the electronic components.

In other embodiments, however, AC power may be directly applied to theelectronic components once the AC power has been appropriatelyconditioned. Power conditioning, for example, may be applied to theincoming AC power signal, to filter electro-magnetic interference (EMI),or any other form of noise, from the incoming AC power signal. The powerconditioner may also utilize an isolation transformer to isolate theelectronic components from power surges existing within an AC powersignal received, for example, from a common power grid. Onceconditioned, the AC power may then be applied to an internal power buswithin the electronic equipment rack for consumption by the electroniccomponents.

In such instances, for example, operation of the electronic componentswithin the electronic equipment rack may be compatible (e.g., throughoperation of the power conditioner) with AC power grids operating at aplurality of amplitudes, e.g., 110 VAC or 220 VAC, and a plurality offrequencies, e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz. In an alternate embodiment, the powerconditioner may also be utilized in aviation applications, where thepower grid may be operating at a DC potential of 28 VDC, or conversely,115/230 VAC at 400 Hz or 480 Hz.

Additionally, any noise that may be propagated from the electroniccomponents to the internal power bus may also be filtered by the powerconditioner, so that other equipment operating from the common powergrid may be substantially free of noise contamination that may begenerated by the electronic components. Furthermore, the electronicequipment rack may be fully encapsulated within an environment proofenclosure, which may be lined with an EMI protective shield so as tolimit the amount of EMI propagating into, or from, the electronicequipment rack.

The environment proof enclosure may also serve to maintain theelectronic equipment rack within a substantially constant operationaltemperature range. In such an instance, the temperature within theenvironment proof enclosure is held substantially constant irrespectiveof the temperature variation outside of the environment proof enclosureand irrespective of the amount of heat generated by the electroniccomponents operating within the electronic equipment rack.

In one embodiment, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)unit may be mounted on any side of the environment proof enclosure. Aninternal channel, or ducting system, may be utilized to direct heatexchanged, i.e., cooled, airflow from the HVAC unit toward the oppositeend of the electronic equipment rack. The cooled air is then allowed toflow upward, so that the electronic components operating within theelectronic equipment rack may draw the cooled air into their respectiveinteriors for cooling.

Once the air conditioned air is drawn into the individual electroniccomponent interiors, heat is exchanged from the individual electroniccomponents to the cooled airflow to effectively maintain the electroniccomponents operational within their respective temperature limits. Theheated air may then be vented from the individual electronic componentsand collected at the other end of the electronic equipment rack forcooling by the HVAC unit.

In addition to maintaining air temperature within the environment proofenclosure, humidity may also be controlled by the HVAC unit throughappropriate humidification control via, e.g., mechanical refrigerationor desiccant-based dehumidification. Thus, the HVAC implemented humiditycontrol may correct for excessively high humidity, so that corrosion ofelectrical contacts within the environment proof enclosure is virtuallyeliminated. Conversely, the HVAC implemented humidity control may alsocorrect for excessively low humidity, so that electrostatic dischargeeffects (ESD) may be mitigated.

Since the environmental control system is a closed loop system, dustcontrol is inherently implemented within the environment proofenclosure. That is to say, for example, that heat is exchanged withoutintroduction of external air into the environment proof enclosure. Assuch, not only is dust prevented from entering the environment proofenclosure, but any dust that may be trapped within the environment proofenclosure prior to sealing, is immediately captured by an internal dustfilter during circulation of the heat exchanged airflow from the HVACunit.

Data egress from the environment proof enclosure and data ingress to theenvironment proof enclosure may be accomplished, for example, via amultiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) wireless interface. In particular,multiple antennas may be used to provide a diverse, wireless accesspoint (WAP), whereby multipath signals may each be received andcoherently combined for added signal strength. As such, the range ofaccess and data rate may be considerably increased as compared, forexample, to the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g family of wirelesscommunication specifications.

Data egress and ingress to the environment proof enclosure may also beaccomplished via a keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) wireless switch. The KVMwireless switch may be used, for example, to allow access to networkmanagement and control features that may be provided by the electroniccomponents hosted within the environment proof enclosure. It should benoted, that both the MIMO and KVM interfaces allow access to theelectronic components, while the electronic components are operationalwithin the environment proof enclosure. An alternate, wired interfacemay also be used in addition to, or instead of, the KVM and/or MIMOwireless interfaces for essentially the same purposes.

Security and safety features may also be incorporated within theelectronic equipment rack, so that unauthorized access to the datastorage, computational resources, or any other application of theelectronic components, may be prohibited. Other security features mayemploy a multi-user/multi-function access control to allow permissionfor specific users to perform specific functions. For example, specificusers may be individually authorized to mobilize and/or energize themobile electronic equipment rack. Specific users may also beindividually authorized to access the mobile electronic equipment rackvia electronically controlled access hatches should it be encapsulatedwithin an environment proof enclosure.

Turning to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a mobile electronicequipment rack is illustrated. Directional self-propulsion may befacilitated by mobility control device 106, which may be mounted to abottom surface of platform 120. Mobility control device 106 may beelectro-mechanically controlled via, for example, a DC drive motor (notshown), to convert mobility control signals into directional propulsionto maneuver the mobile electronic equipment rack into its designatedposition/location.

Mobility control signals may be provided to mobility control device 106through a wireless, or wired, medium. Wired access, for example, may besupplied via a tether control mechanism (not shown) that may be attachedvia patch panel 116, or some other interface. One of input/output (I/O)interface connectors 118, for example, may facilitate exchange ofmobility control signals to/from mobility control device 106.

A wide variety of mobility control information may be accepted bymobility control device 106 to control such mobility aspects asvelocity, direction, and acceleration/deceleration. A center wheeldrive, for example, may be utilized to receive directional controlsignals to provide 360 degree maneuverability of the mobile electronicequipment rack via drive wheels 126. In particular, drive wheel 126 andthe opposing drive wheel (not shown) are independently activated via anarticulated transaxle drive, which facilitates a 0 degree turn radius.Casters 128 are also provided for stability, both during transport, aswell as during stationary operation. As discussed in more detail below,user's wishing to maneuver the mobile electronic equipment rack viamobility control device 106 may first be required to authenticatethemselves through security control features implemented within themobile electronic equipment rack.

Operational power may be supplied to mobility control device 106 via DCbatteries (not shown). As discussed above, power conditioner 108 mayreceive any one of a variety of DC and/or AC input power signals. If DCis supplied, for example, then the DC power may be directly applied, orregulated and then applied, to recharge the DC batteries (not shown),which are responsible for delivering current to activate the transaxledrive (not shown) of mobility control device 106. Alternately, AC powermay be accepted by power conditioner 108 and subsequently rectified toproduce the DC power levels required to recharge the DC batteries (notshown).

Environment proof enclosure 102 may be utilized to maintain interiorcompartment 104 of the mobile electronic equipment rack within a rangeof controlled environment specifications. For example, once electroniccomponents are installed within mounting enclosure 122, access hatch 114may then be closed to seal the electronic components within atemperature controlled, substantially dust free environment.Furthermore, EMI shielding may be installed along the inner surfaces ofenvironment proof enclosure 102, or conversely environment proofenclosure 102 may be manufactured from EMI shielding material, such asfiberglass-reinforced foil, to substantially eliminate EMIingress/egress. Still further, noise filtering may also be employedwithin power conditioner 108, as well as patch panel 116, tosubstantially eliminate conduction of noise onto the power and controlbuses (not shown) within interior compartment 104.

It should be noted, that environment proof enclosure 102 may alsoprovide protection against ballistic projectiles by appropriatelydesigning the walls of environment proof enclosure 102. For example, thewalls of environment proof enclosure 102 may be implemented with armoredmaterials such as fiberglass, or other composites, such as carbon fiber,ceramic, Kevlar®, etc.

Access to interior compartment 104 may be provided by any one of anumber of access hatches, such as access hatch 114. As discussed above,authentication of authority to activate access hatch 114 may first berequired as a security measure. Access hatch 124 may be similarlyprovided to allow access to patch panel 116. Access to either of accesshatches 114 or 124 may be authorized/unauthorized by thedisengagement/engagement of a locking mechanism (not shown), theauthorization of which is predicated upon successful authentication ofthe particular user who is requesting access.

Various security mechanisms may be employed to authenticate users priorto allowing access to interior compartment 104 and/or patch panel 118. Awireless KVM switch (not shown) mounted within interior compartment 104,for example, may receive a wireless authentication request from a user.In one embodiment, the wireless KVM switch may receive biometricinformation that is associated with the user, such as a scan of his orher fingerprint, in order to authenticate the user's access. Biometricauthentication may also include techniques for measuring and analyzingother physical and behavioral characteristics of a user. Examples ofphysical characteristics that may be used for physical authenticationare eye retina scans, facial patterns, and hand measurements.Alternatively, behavioral characteristics such as signature, gait andtyping patterns may also be used for biometric authentication. Hybridcharacteristics that share both physical and behavioral characteristics,such as voice, may also be used for biometric authentication.

In an alternate embodiment, authentication may instead be initiatedthrough activation of a security device, such as a universal serial bus(USB) based flash drive that may insert into an authenticationverification device (not shown). The authentication verification devicemay be mounted externally to environment proof enclosure 102 to allowinsertion of a security device, such as the USB based flash drive. In analternate embodiment, a biometric scanner (not shown) may be installedwithin the authentication device (not shown) to obviate the need to usethe wireless KVM switch, or other security device, for userauthentication. Other embodiments may provide wireless authenticationthrough the use of radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetoothaccess control, inductive proximity sensors, etc.

As discussed above, environment control unit 110 may be utilized tomaintain interior compartment 104 within a predetermined temperature andhumidity range. In one embodiment, environment control unit 110 may beimplemented as an HVAC unit operating within a closed circuit consistingof, for example, a compressor, an expansion valve, and two heatexchangers, e.g., an evaporator and a condenser. A volatile liquid, suchas a refrigerant, circulates through the four components and isdelivered to the compressor after having absorbed heat from interiorcompartment 104. The refrigerant exits the compressor as a hot vapor,where it is then condensed into a warm liquid. A flow control valveregulates the flow of the refrigerant, allowing it to expand into a coldliquid before returning to interior compartment 104 to complete thecycle. Air, having been cooled by the cold liquid, is then circulatedvia a ducted channel for optimal cooling of the electronic componentsmounted within interior compartment 104.

Environment control unit 110 may itself be mounted onto a hinged accesshatch that is similar to access hatch 114. As such, authenticatedegress/ingress may be allowed from/to interior compartment 104 at theopposite end of access hatch 114 to facilitate access to the rear end ofelectronic components mounted to mounting enclosure 122. It should benoted, that environment control unit 110 may also be installed on anyother side of environment proof enclosure 102 as may be required by aparticular implementation. For example, the size and weight ofenvironment control unit 110 may require that it be mounted on top ofenvironment proof enclosure 102 in order to provide optimal weightdistribution for improved stability.

Operation of electronic components mounted to mounting enclosure 122 areintended to be operated while all access hatches are secured. Given thatpatch panel 116 is implemented with water resistant connectors andattachments, however, it is understood that hatch 124 may remain openwhile the electronic equipment rack of FIG. 1 is operational, even whileoperating in an environment susceptible to atmospheric precipitation.

As discussed above, the operational power applied to power conditioner108 may be derived from AC power grids operating at a plurality ofamplitudes, e.g., 110 VAC or 220 VAC, and a plurality of frequencies,e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz. In alternative embodiments, power conditioner 108may also be utilized in aviation applications, where the power grid maybe operating at a DC potential of 28 VDC, or conversely, 115/230 VACoperating at 400 Hz or 480 Hz.

In any event, once the electronic components are operational, access totheir respective I/O ports may be provided in one of two formats. First,MIMO wireless access point (WAP) 112, for example, may be used to accessthe data/computational resources of the electronic components. MIMO WAP112 implements two or more antennas to send and receive informationusing, for example, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) tosignificantly increase the data throughput as compared to conventionalwireless access technologies.

A MIMO router may be used in conjunction with MIMO WAP 112 toprovide/retrieve information to/from the electronic components that aremounted to mounting enclosure 122. The MIMO router may support thestandard Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and/or the advanced Wi-FiProtected Access (WPA) for data encryption. Additional security featuresmay also include Media Access Control (MAC) and Internet Protocol (IP)filtering for limiting network access based on MAC Address or IPAddress.

Wired access to the data/computational resources of the electroniccomponents of the mobile electronic equipment rack may also beimplemented via water resistant patch panel 116. Connectors 118 mayrepresent a wide variety of data I/O connectors, such as for example,category 5 and/or 6 connectors, as may be used to support GigabitEthernet applications. Fiber optic communications may also be supportedby patch panel 116 in support of, for example, a synchronous opticalnetwork (SONET) ring. It is appreciated that any number of I/Oconnectivity options, such as radio frequency (RF) connectors, may alsobe provided by patch panel 116.

In operation, the mobile electronic equipment rack of FIG. 1 may includeits use as a mobile, high-density server, such as a blade server. Inparticular, mounting enclosure 122 may be adapted to mount a pluralityof blade server chassis, where each chassis may include a plurality ofmodular electronic circuit boards known as server blades. Each serverblade contains one or more microprocessors, memory, and otherelectronics, and is generally intended for a specific application. Theserver blades may also provide integrated network controllers, a fiberoptic host bus adaptor (HBA), and other I/O ports to facilitate dataexchange.

Each server blade may also include an advanced technology attachment(ATA) or small computer system interface (SCSI) disk drive. Foradditional storage, the blade servers may connect to a storage pool(via, for example, the MIMO or patch panel interface), where the storagepool is facilitated by a network attached storage (NAS), fiber channel,or Internet SCSI (iSCSI) storage area network (SAN). Blade serversmounted within the mobile electronic equipment rack of FIG. 1 iseffective to consolidate several blade servers into a single chassis andalso consolidates associated resources, such as storage and networkingequipment, into a smaller architecture that can be managed through asingle interface, e.g., the MIMO or patch panel interface, as discussedabove.

Furthermore, multiple blade server chassis may be mounted and configuredfor operation before mobilization. In such an instance, pre-configuredblade servers may be mobilized in a completely secure environment,protected from vibration induced damage during transportation, andquickly energized within a temperature and humidity controlledenvironment virtually anywhere in the world. In addition, the bladeserver network may be quickly relocated in a safe, orderly, andefficient manner as may be required by many government and/or commercialapplications.

One such commercial application, for example, includes use as a storagemedium for digitized audio, graphical, and video information in supportof media, television, and motion picture operations. In particular, asnew standards are developed for digital technologies in audio, stillpictures, motion pictures, and television, digital storage solutionsbecome increasingly necessary. As such, the mobile equipment rack ofFIG. 1 may be populated with blade servers and deployed to supportdigital video and audio storage at various stages of digital dataoperations, e.g., acquisition, production, control-room editing,transmission, and reception.

Thus, the mobile equipment rack of FIG. 1 may be effectively deployed asa mobile video storage server, such that when fully configured withblade servers as discussed above, may provide, for example, up to 57terabytes of video/audio digital storage capability. As such, wirelesscamera feeds to the MIMO WAP 112 of the video storage server may beimplemented during, for example, on-location filming to facilitatedirect digital storage of several days, or even several weeks, of directdigital audio/video recordings.

Once its storage capacity has been reached, the mobile video storageserver may be relocated to a main control room, whereby direct editingof the digital content may be achieved. Conversely, the mobile videostorage server may remain deployed on-location to supportediting/playback operations at the actual filming site, wherebyediting/playback operations may be facilitated through digital dataaccess via either of MIMO WAP 112 or wired patch panel 116.

It should be noted, that the mobile electronic equipment rack of FIG. 1may be implemented with low-profile suspension, as discussed in moredetail below, which provides for a reduced height. Furthermore, thewidth of the mobile electronic equipment rack of FIG. 1 allows entryinto most standard sized doorways. In one embodiment, for example,physical dimensions of the mobile electronic equipment rack of FIG. 1provide approximately 58″ in height, 27″ in width, and 54″ in length.Thus, access to the interiors of most standard buildings is facilitatedby the relatively small profile dimensions of the mobile electronicequipment rack of FIG. 1, which enhances the versatility provided to itscommercial, industrial, and governmental users.

Turning to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the various enclosures areillustrated, whereby a portion of environment proof enclosure 102 ispulled away to reveal mounting enclosure 122 and structural enclosure202. Also exemplified, is the rear view of patch panel 116 as well as aside view of environment control unit 110 and power conditioner 108.

As can be seen by inspection, mounting enclosure 122 is enclosed withinstructural enclosure 202. Both mounting enclosure 122 and structuralenclosure 202 are composed of an anodized metal, such as aluminum orsteel, and are tig welded for strength. As discussed in more detailbelow, mounting enclosure 122 “floats” within the spatial confines asdefined by structural enclosure 202 through the use of a multi-axissuspension system. That is to say, for example, that at least two modesof support are used to create a multi-axis, variable weight,magnetorheological isolation system, which seeks to maintain mountingenclosure 122, and electronic components (not shown) mounted therein,substantially isolated from kinetic energy transfer.

Structural enclosure 202 is “hard” mounted to platform 120 (not shown inFIG. 2), while mounting enclosure 122 is “soft” mounted to both platform120 (not shown in FIG. 2) and structural enclosure 202. As such, kineticenergy may be directly transferred to structural enclosure 202 duringtransportation, or other acceleration generation events, due to the“hard” mounting relationship between platform 120 and structuralenclosure 202. In contrast, however, substantially all of the kineticenergy that may be transferred to structural enclosure 202 along alongitudinal component as defined by directional vector 208 is virtuallyabsorbed by MR supports 204 and 206.

MR supports 204 and 206 represent a first mode of “soft” support,whereby relative motion between mounting enclosure 122 and supportingenclosure 202 is dampened by operation of MR supports 204 and 206. Afirst end of MR supports 204 and 206 are coupled to an outer portion ofmounting enclosure 122 as illustrated, while a second end of MR supports204 and 206 are coupled to an inner portion of structural enclosure 202as illustrated. The coupling between the outer portion of mountingenclosure 122 and the inner portion of structural enclosure 202 is saidto be “soft”, since substantially all of the kinetic energy that istransferred by the relative motion between mounting enclosure 122 andsupporting enclosure 202 is dampened by operation of MR supports 204 and206.

MR supports 204 and 206 utilize an MR fluid, whereby a viscosity changein the MR fluid is effected in the presence of a magnetic field toincrease/decrease the dampening effects of MR supports 204 and 206. Inparticular, a control unit (not shown) transmits a pulse width modulated(PWM) signal to a magnetic coil that surrounds the MR fluid containedwithin a monotube housing of MR supports 204 and 206. The PWM signalparameters, such as duty cycle, may be predetermined through the use ofa potentiometer (not shown) and may be preset to a predetermined valueby an appropriate voltage as selected by the potentiometer.

By increasing the duty cycle of the PWM signal through forwardpotentiometer control, for example, the control unit imparts anincreased magnitude of time varying current to the magnetic coil, whichin turn imparts an increased magnetic field around the MR fluid. Inresponse, the damper forces exerted by MR supports 204 and 206 increaseproportionally. Conversely, by decreasing the duty cycle of the PWMsignal through reverse potentiometer control, the control unit imparts adecreased magnitude of time varying current to the magnetic coil, whichin turn imparts a decreased magnetic field around the MR fluid. Inresponse, the damper forces exerted by MR supports 204 and 206 decreaseproportionally.

Turning to FIG. 3, a vertical component of isolation is illustratedalong directional vector 306. In particular, support components 302 and304 are “soft” coupled to the bottom side of mounting enclosure 122 andplatform 120 (not shown), such that support is provided to mountingenclosure 122, and each electronic component (not shown) mountedtherein, in direct proportion to the weight of the combined mountingenclosure 122 and electronic component payload. That is to say, thatsupport components 302 and 304 provide weight adaptive support along thevertical directional vector 306 in order to maintain a substantiallyfixed position of mounting enclosure 122 that is virtually independentof the combined weight of mounting enclosure 122 and associated payload.

Furthermore, support components 302 and 304 provide flexibility alonglongitudinal axis 308, in order to account for any weight discrepanciesthat exist along longitudinal axis 308. For example, electroniccomponents may be mounted within mounting enclosure 122, such that moreweight is transferred to support component 302 as compared to the amountof weight that is transferred to support component 304. In thisinstance, the amount of weight bearing support that is provided bysupport component 302 is greater than the weight bearing support that isprovided by support component 304.

Conversely, electronic components may be mounted within mountingenclosure 122, such that more weight is transferred to support component304 as compared to the amount of weight that is transferred to supportcomponent 302. In this instance, the amount of weight bearing supportthat is provided by support component 304 is greater than the weightbearing support that is provided by support component 302. Thus, ineither instance, the amount of weight bearing support that is providedby supports 302 and 304 is weight adaptive in order to maintain mountingenclosure 122 in a relatively level attitude irrespective of therelative positions of platform 120 (not shown) and/or support enclosure202.

It should be noted, that supports 302 and 304 provide an additionaldegree of freedom along an axial component as defined by directionalvector 308. In particular, supports 302 and 304 provide a degree offreedom to allow operation of MR supports 204 and 206 as discussed abovein relation to FIG. 2. Thus, supports 302, 304, 204, and 206interoperate within a two-dimensional range of movement to providesuspension along axial components defined by directional vectors 306 and308.

A third dimension of suspension along an axial component that isorthogonal to both directional vectors 308 and 306 may be provided tosubstantially isolate mounting enclosure 122 from lateral accelerationforces. In such an instance, dampening MR supports, such as thoseutilized for MR supports 204 and 206, may be coupled between mountingenclosure 122 and support enclosure 202, in a perpendicular arrangementwith respect to MR supports 204 and 206, to provide dampened suspensionalong a lateral axis that is perpendicular to longitudinal vectorcomponent 308 and vertical vector component 306.

In one embodiment, support components 302 and 304 may include apneumatic shock absorption device, whereby a deflection of mountingenclosure 122, due to the addition or subtraction of weight, may besensed and corrected. Magnetic sensors (not shown), for example, may bemounted to both mounting enclosure 122 and support enclosure 202 todetect a change in position of mounting enclosure 122 relative tosupport enclosure 202 along directional vector 306. In such an instance,feedback provided by the magnetic sensors (not shown) may be provided toa compressor (not shown) to inflate/deflate pneumatic support components302 and 304 so that the axial position of mounting enclosure 122relative to support enclosure 202 along directional vector 306 ismaintained within a predetermined stroke range.

Turning to FIG. 4, an exemplary functional schematic diagram of oneembodiment of a multi-axis suspension system is illustrated. It shouldbe noted, that orientation of components in FIG. 4 do not necessarilydenote their spatial configuration, but rather represent theirfunctional relationship with respect to one another. Explanation of theoperation of the multi-axis suspension system of FIG. 4 is facilitatedin view of FIGS. 1-3. Pneumatic support components 302 and 304 arecoupled between platform 120 and the bottom portion of mountingenclosure 122 to provide a vertical component of support alongdirectional vectors 440 and 470, while also providing flexibility ofmovement along longitudinal axis 442.

Position detectors 428 and 464 utilize, for example, magnetic sensors430,432 and 466,468 to maintain mounting enclosure 122 within a range ofmovement illustrated by vertical directional vectors 440 and 470. Inparticular, position signals 434 and 474 provide an indication to acontrol unit (not shown) associated with compressors 436 and 472,respectively, as to the position of mounting enclosure 122 relative tosupport enclosure 202. If the position of mounting enclosure 122 iscentered between sensors 430 and 432, for example, then pneumaticsupport 302 is considered to be in an equilibrium position and nofurther action is taken. Similarly, if the position of mountingenclosure 122 is centered between sensors 466 and 468, for example, thenpneumatic support 304 is considered to be in an equilibrium position andno further action is taken.

If, however, the position of mounting enclosure 122 indicates a position440 that is below equilibrium, then position signal 434 provides therequisite indication to the control unit (not shown) associated withcompressor 436 to correct the over-weight condition. In particular,position signal 434 causes compressor 436 to inflate pneumatic support302, i.e., increase pressure, via line 438 until pneumatic support 302is inflated to the equilibrium position. Similarly, if the position ofmounting enclosure 122 indicates a position 470 that is belowequilibrium, then position signal 474 provides the requisite indicationto the control unit (not shown) associated with compressor 472 tocorrect the over-weight condition. In particular, position signal 474causes compressor 472 to inflate pneumatic support 304, i.e., increasepressure, via line 476 until pneumatic support 304 is inflated to theequilibrium position.

If, on the other hand, the position of mounting enclosure 122 indicatesa position 440 that is above equilibrium, then position signal 434provides the requisite indication to compressor 436 to correct theunder-weight condition. In particular, position signal 434 causes thecontrol unit (not shown) associated with compressor 436 to deflatepneumatic support 302, i.e., decrease pressure, via line 438 untilpneumatic support 302 is deflated to the equilibrium position.Similarly, if the position of mounting enclosure 122 indicates aposition 470 that is above equilibrium, then position signal 474provides the requisite indication to the control unit (not shown)associated with compressor 472 to correct the under-weight condition. Inparticular, position signal 474 causes compressor 472 to deflatepneumatic support 304, i.e., decrease pressure, via line 476 untilpneumatic support 304 is deflated to an equilibrium position.

It should be noted, that pneumatic supports 302 and 304 may operateindependently of one another. That is to say, for example, that theextent of inflation/deflation of pneumatic supports 302 and 304 may beunequal, so that unequal weight distribution of mounting enclosure 122and its associated payload (not shown) along longitudinal axis 442 maynevertheless be equalized. Thus, irregardless of the weightdistribution, the position of mounting enclosure 122 may besubstantially leveled with respect to support enclosure 202 and/orplatform 120 to implement a first mode, or coarse, suspension control.

Acting in conjunction with pneumatic supports 302 and 304, is the secondmode, or fine, suspension control. Fine suspension along directionalvectors 440 and 470 is implemented by, for example, an MR support asexemplified by components 480-484 and MR damper control components486-490. It should be noted, that the MR support as exemplified bycomponents 480-484 actuate along a vertical axis that is aligned withdirectional vectors 440 and 470. That is to say, for example, thatpiston 484 extends and retracts through a stroke of motion that issubstantially parallel with directional vectors 440 and 470.

In operation, piston 484 extends and retracts through its stroke ofmotion, while being subjected to a variable damper force. In particular,monotube housing 482 is filled with an MR fluid and is surrounded bymagnetic coil 480. The magnetic field created by magnetic coil 480causes a viscosity change in the MR fluid to exert a programmable rangeof damper forces on piston 484, where the viscosity changes in the MRfluid are effected by applying a variable magnitude of AC current tomagnetic coil 480.

In operation, PWM 490 may receive either a primarily static, or aprimarily dynamic, control signal from one of two PWM control sources.In a first embodiment, PWM 490 receives a primarily static controlsignal from potentiometer 488, which is then used to statically programa PWM signal having a duty cycle that is proportional to the staticallyprogrammed control signal from potentiometer 488. If low damper force isrequired, for example, then the appropriate control signal frompotentiometer 488 may be statically programmed to produce a relativelylow duty cycle, PWM signal. In response, a relatively low magnitude ofAC current is imparted to magnetic coil 480, which in turn imparts arelatively low magnitude magnetic field around monotube housing 482.Accordingly, the MR fluid contained within monotube housing 482reactively assumes a relatively low viscosity, which in turn provides arelatively low damper force to oppose the movement of piston 484.

If a relatively greater damper force is required, on the other hand,then the appropriate control signal from potentiometer 488 may bestatically programmed to cause PWM 490 to transmit a relatively highduty cycle, PWM signal. In response, a relatively high magnitude of ACcurrent is imparted to magnetic coil 480, which in turn imparts arelatively high magnitude magnetic field around monotube housing 482.Accordingly, the MR fluid contained within monotube housing 482reactively assumes a relatively high viscosity, which in turn provides arelatively high damper force opposing the movement of piston 484.

In an alternate embodiment, a primarily dynamic control signal isprovided to PWM 490, to effect an adaptively programmed mode ofsuspension, which is effective to isolate mounting enclosure 406 and itsassociated payload (not shown) from low frequency vibration operating inthe range of a few cycles per second to several thousand cycles persecond. In operation, accelerometer 486 measures acceleration forcesalong directional vectors 440 and 470 and provides an adaptive controlsignal to PWM 490 that is indicative of the acceleration forcesmeasured. A low magnitude of instantaneous acceleration force may resultin an adaptively programmed low duty cycle PWM signal, whereas a highmagnitude of instantaneous acceleration force may result in anadaptively programmed high duty cycle PWM signal. Thus, accelerationforces across a wide vibration bandwidth may be adaptively dampenedthrough the adaptive feedback provided by accelerometer 486 to PWM 490.The viscosity of the MR fluid then reacts to the corresponding changesin the magnetic field to exert proportional damper forces on piston 484as discussed above.

It can be seen, therefore, that pneumatic supports 302 and 304 combinewith MR support functions associated with components 480-490 to providecoarse and fine suspension control. Coarse suspension control isprovided by pneumatic supports 302 and 304 to provide weight managementof mounting enclosure 122 and its associated payload (not shown). Oncethe position of mounting enclosure 122 has been substantially equalizedwith respect to support enclosure 202 and/or platform 120, then finesuspension control is implemented via components 480-490 to “fine tune”the position in either of a programmably static, or adaptive, fashion.

MR supports may also be used to isolate kinetic energy from beingtransferred to mounting enclosure 122 and its associated payload (notshown) along a longitudinal axis depicted by directional vector 442. Inparticular, components 416-426 may combine to form MR support 204 ofFIG. 2 to implement either programmably static or adaptive isolationfrom kinetic energy along directional vector 442. Additionally,components 452-462 may combine to form MR support 206 of FIG. 2 toimplement either programmably static or adaptive isolation from kineticenergy along directional vector 442. Operation of components 416-426 andcomponents 452-462 operate substantially as discussed above in relationto components 480-490 in either of a programmably static, or adaptive,fashion.

A third component of suspension may also be provided for mountingenclosure 122 and it associated payload (not shown). In particular, acomponent of suspension may be provided along a directional vector thatis orthogonal to directional vectors 440, 470, and 442. The suspension,for example, may also be provided via MR supports, as discussed above,to provide a third axis of suspension to substantially eliminate kineticenergy transfer along a lateral axis relative to mounting enclosure 122.

Turning to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment is exemplified in which avertical component of suspension along directional vectors 440 and 470is provided in a space saving fashion. In particular, the verticalcomponent of suspension is provided in a manner that minimizes theamount of vertical space required between mounting enclosure 122 andplatform 120.

In operation, coarse position control is implemented by pneumaticsupports 302 and 304 to maintain an equilibrium position of mountingenclosure 122 with respect to support enclosure 202 along directionalvectors 440 and 470 as discussed above in relation to FIG. 4. Fineposition control, however, utilizes an MR support that is not fixed in avertical relationship with respect to mounting enclosure 122. Instead,the MR support is coupled between support enclosure 202 and/or platform120 and right-angle gear drive 528 to reduce the vertical relationshipof the MR support between mounting enclosure 122 and platform 120.

As such, actuation of the MR support does not extend piston 520 along arange of stroke whose direction is parallel to directional vectors 440and 470. Instead, piston 520 extends along a range of stroke whosedirection may range between one that is orthogonal to directionalvectors 440 and 470 and one that is just short of parallel todirectional vectors 440 and 470. As the direction of the range of strokeof piston 520 approaches one that is orthogonal to directional vectors440 and 470, the amount of vertical space required between mountingenclosure 122 and platform 120 reduces in proportion to the sine of theangle formed between the direction of stroke of piston 520 and platform120.

In operation, the range of stroke of piston 520 actuates right-anglegear drive 528 to rotate right-angle gear drive 528 in a direction thatis indicated by rotational vector 522. An upward movement of mountingenclosure 122, for example, may cause piston 530 to extend. In response,right-angle gear drive 528 may rotate clockwise to cause piston 520 toextend. However, the movement of piston 520 is resisted by the damperforce exerted by the associated MR fluid surrounding piston 520 asdiscussed above. As such, an upward movement of mounting enclosure 122is resisted by MR piston 520 through rotational actuation of right-anglegear drive 528.

A downward movement of mounting enclosure 122, on the other hand, maycause piston 530 to retract. In response, right-angle gear drive 528 mayrotate counter-clockwise to cause piston 520 to retract. However, themovement of piston 520 is resisted by the damper force exerted by theassociated MR fluid surrounding piston 520 as discussed above. As such,a downward movement of mounting enclosure 122 is resisted by MR piston520 through rotational actuation of right-angle gear drive 528.

As discussed above in relation to components 480-490 of FIG. 4, avariable damper force may either be programmably static, or adaptive,when applied to piston 520 to effectuate “fine tuned” MR suspensioncontrol, while minimizing the vertical separation required betweenmounting enclosure 122 and platform 120 through the utilization of rightangle gear drive 528.

Turning to FIG. 6A, a method of coarse suspension control is exemplifiedvia flow diagram 600 and is described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5. Instep 602, a position of mounting enclosure 122 is detected via magneticsensors 430, 432 and 466, 468. Since the weight distribution along alongitudinal axis depicted by directional vector 442 may be non-uniform,sensors 430, 432 detect vertical movement along a vertical axis depictedby directional vector 440 and sensors 466, 468 independently measurevertical movement along a vertical axis depicted by directional vector470.

Should mounting enclosure 122 be deflected below its equilibriumposition, as detected in step 604 by either of sensors 430, 432 and/or466, 468, then signal 434 and/or signal 474 is dispatched to compressors436 and/or 472 to counteract the downward displacement. In particular,compressors 436 and/or 472 inject air into pneumatic support components302 and/or 304 in response to signals 434 and/or 474 to increase themagnitude of coarse suspension provided to mounting enclosure 122 as instep 606.

Should mounting enclosure 122 be deflected above its equilibriumposition on the other hand, as detected in step 608 by either of sensors430, 432 and/or 466, 468, then signal 434 and/or signal 474 isdispatched to compressors 436 and/or 472 to counteract the upwarddisplacement. In particular, release valves within compressors 436and/or 472 cause air to be released from pneumatic support components302 and/or 304 in response to signals 434 and/or 474 to decrease themagnitude of coarse suspension provided to mounting enclosure 122 as instep 610.

Turning to FIG. 6B, a method of fine suspension control is exemplifiedvia flow diagram 650 and is described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5. Instep 652, detection of acceleration forces is either activated ordeactivated. If activated, then accelerometers 486, 426, and 462 areselected in step 656 to provide adaptive control signals to PWMs 490,422, and 458, respectively, to indicate the magnitude and direction ofacceleration forces measured for appropriate selection of damperresistance. If deactivated, on the other hand, then acceleration forcesare not detected and potentiometers 488, 424, and 460 are selected instep 654 to provide programmably static control signals for staticselection of damper resistance.

If vertical movement is detected in step 658, then either a low-profile,or a normal profile, mode of vertical suspension is provided. Ifvertical suspension is provided as exemplified in FIG. 4, then kineticenergy is dampened through substantially vertical actuation of MR piston484 as in step 662. The amount of damper resistance applied to piston484 being determined in either of steps 654 or 656 as discussed above.

If, on the other hand, vertical suspension is provided as exemplified inFIG. 5, then kinetic energy is dampened through rotational actuation ofMR piston 520 to implement a low-profile mode of vertical suspension. Inparticular, the range of stroke of piston 520 actuates right-angle geardrive 528 to rotate right-angle gear drive 528 in a direction that isindicated by rotational vector 522. An upward movement of mountingenclosure 122, for example, may cause piston 530 to extend. In response,right-angle gear drive 528 may rotate clockwise to cause piston 520 toextend. However, the movement of piston 520 is resisted by the damperforce exerted by the associated MR fluid surrounding piston 520 asdiscussed above. As such, an upward movement of mounting enclosure 122is resisted by MR piston 520 through rotational actuation of right-anglegear drive 528.

A downward movement of mounting enclosure 122, on the other hand, maycause piston 530 to retract. In response, right-angle gear drive 528 mayrotate counter-clockwise to cause piston 520 to retract. However, themovement of piston 520 is resisted by the damper force exerted by theassociated MR fluid surrounding piston 520 as discussed above. As such,a downward movement of mounting enclosure 122 is resisted by MR piston520 through rotational actuation of right-angle gear drive 528. Theamount of damper resistance applied to piston 520 being determined ineither of steps 654 or 656 as discussed above.

Kinetic energy, as determined in step 668, may also be dampened along alongitudinal axis as depicted by directional vector 442. In particular,both sides of mounting enclosure 122 are “soft” mounted to structuralenclosure 202 through MR supports 204 and 206. Damper resistance of MRsupports 204 and 206 may be adaptively, or statically, programmed asdiscussed above. In operation, MR supports 204 and 206 substantiallyabsorb kinetic energy that is applied to mounting enclosure 122 along alongitudinal direction as depicted by directional vector 442.

Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification andpractice of the invention disclosed herein. For example, the payloadinstalled within mounting enclosure 122 may not necessarily correspondto electronic components. Rather, the payload may instead correspond toother shock sensitive materials, such as nitroglycerin, which requirestransportation mechanisms that minimize the amount of kinetic energytransferred, so as to minimize the possibility of premature detonation.Protection against premature detonation may be further provided byenvironment proof enclosure 102 when constructed with armored materialsas discussed above.

Furthermore, items requiring a fixed storage temperature range, such asfood, drink, or other temperature sensitive items, may also betransported in an environment that is temperature controlled andvirtually free from multi-dimensional acceleration forces. Additionally,while the mobile enclosures exemplified herein provide forself-propulsion, it is appreciated that mobility control device 106 ofFIG. 1 may instead be eliminated as exemplified in FIGS. 2 and 3. Assuch, non-mobile enclosures, such as may be required in maritime,aeronautical, or seismic applications, may be provided to implementkinetic energy isolation for the payload contained within the non-mobileenclosures. In such instances, the non-mobile enclosures of FIGS. 2 and3 may instead be mounted directly to a platform, e.g., floor space, asmay be provided by the particular non-mobile application, such as in anequipment room of telecommunications facility. It is intended,therefore, that the specification and illustrated embodiments beconsidered as examples only, with a true scope and spirit of theinvention being indicated by the following claims.

1. An electronic component transport system, comprising: a platformhaving first and second surfaces; a mobility control device coupled tothe first surface of the platform and adapted to provide directionalpropulsion of the platform; a first enclosure coupled to the secondsurface of the platform; a second enclosure coupled to the secondsurface of the platform and the first enclosure, the second enclosurebeing adapted to accept a plurality of electronic components; asuspension system coupled to the first and second enclosures and to thesecond surface of the platform and adapted to isolate a position of thesecond enclosure from relative position variations of the platform andthe first enclosure, the suspension system including, a first suspensiondevice coupled to the second enclosure and the second surface of theplatform, the first suspension device adapted to maintain a position ofthe second enclosure between a minimum and a maximum distance in a firstdirection relative to the first enclosure; and a second suspensiondevice coupled to the second enclosure and statically programmed todampen movement of the second enclosure between the minimum and themaximum distance relative to the first enclosure; and a third enclosureencompassing the first and second enclosures, the third enclosureincluding, a power conditioner coupled to receive an input power signaland adapted to provide a conditioned power signal to the plurality ofelectronic components in response to the input power signal; and anenvironment control unit adapted to maintain the plurality of electroniccomponents at a substantially constant temperature.
 2. The electroniccomponent transport system of claim 1, wherein the first suspensiondevice comprises: a first pneumatic support coupled to a first portionof the second enclosure and adapted to pneumatically maintain a positionof the first portion of the second enclosure between the minimum and themaximum distance relative to a first portion of the first enclosure inresponse to a first position signal; and a second pneumatic supportcoupled to a second portion of the second enclosure and adapted topneumatically maintain a position of the second portion of the secondenclosure between the minimum and the maximum distance relative to asecond portion of the first enclosure in response to a second positionsignal.
 3. The electronic component transport system of claim 2, whereinthe first suspension device further comprises: a first sensor adapted todetect the position of the first portion of the second enclosure betweenthe minimum and the maximum distance relative to the first portion ofthe first enclosure and to provide the first position signal in responseto the detected position; and a second sensor adapted to detect theposition of the second portion of the second enclosure between theminimum and the maximum distance relative to the second portion of thefirst enclosure and to provide the second position signal in response tothe detected position.
 4. The electronic component transport system ofclaim 3, wherein the first suspension device further comprises: a firstcompressor coupled to the first sensor and the first pneumatic supportand adapted to maintain a pressure of the first pneumatic support tomaintain the position of the first portion of the second enclosurebetween the minimum and the maximum distance relative to the firstportion of the first enclosure; and a second compressor coupled to thesecond sensor and the second pneumatic support and adapted to maintain apressure of the second pneumatic support to maintain the position of thesecond portion of the second enclosure between the minimum and themaximum distance relative to the second portion of the first enclosure.5. The electronic component transport system of claim 1, wherein thesecond suspension device comprises: a conductive element; and amagnetorheological device displaced within the conductive element andcoupled to the second enclosure and the platform.
 6. The electroniccomponent transport system of claim 5, wherein the second suspensiondevice further comprises: a pulse width modulator coupled to theconductive element and adapted to provide a pulse width modulated signalto the conductive element, the conductive element being adapted toproduce a variable magnitude magnetic field in response to the pulsewidth modulated signal; and a potentiometer coupled to the pulse widthmodulator and adapted to provide a programmably static control signal tothe pulse width modulator, the pulse width modulator being adapted toadjust a duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal in response tothe programmably static control signal.
 7. The electronic componenttransport system of claim 1, further comprising a third suspensiondevice coupled between the first and second enclosures and staticallyprogrammed to dampen movement of the second enclosure, the movementbeing in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
 8. Theelectronic component transport system of claim 1, further comprising awireless interface coupled to the third enclosure and adapted to providedata access to the plurality of electronic components.
 9. The electroniccomponent transport system of claim 8, wherein the wireless interfacecomprises a multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) wireless interface.
 10. Theelectronic component transport system of claim 8, wherein the wirelessinterface comprises a keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) wireless switch. 11.The electronic component transport system of claim 1, further comprisinga security device adapted to authenticate access to the first and secondenclosures.
 12. A mobile equipment rack assembly, comprising: a platformadapted to provide directional propulsion; a first rack coupled to theplatform; a second rack coupled to the first rack and the platform, thesecond rack being encapsulated by the first rack; and a shock absorptionunit coupled to the first and second racks, the shock absorption unitincluding, a weight bearing device coupled to the second rack andadapted to maintain a position of the second rack within a first rangeof distance in a first direction relative to the first rack; and adampening device coupled to the second rack, the dampening device beingstatically programmed to dampen movement of the second rack within thefirst range of distance.
 13. The mobile equipment rack assembly of claim12, wherein the weight bearing device comprises: a first pneumaticsupport coupled to a first portion of the second rack and adapted topneumatically maintain a position of the first portion of the secondrack between the first range of distance relative to a first portion ofthe first rack in response to a first position signal; and a secondpneumatic support coupled to a second portion of the second rack andadapted to pneumatically maintain a position of the second portion ofthe second rack between the first range of distance relative to a secondportion of the first rack in response to a second position signal. 14.The mobile equipment rack assembly of claim 13, wherein the weightbearing device further comprises: a first sensor adapted to detect theposition of the first portion of the second rack between the first rangeof distance relative to the first portion of the first rack and toprovide the first position signal in response to the detected position;and a second sensor adapted to detect the position of the second portionof the second rack between the first range of distance relative to thesecond portion of the first rack and to provide the second positionsignal in response to the detected position.
 15. The mobile equipmentrack assembly of claim 14, wherein the weight bearing device furthercomprises: a first compressor coupled to the first sensor and the firstpneumatic support and adapted to maintain a pressure of the firstpneumatic support to maintain the position of the first portion of thesecond rack between the first range of distance relative to the firstportion of the first rack; and a second compressor coupled to the secondsensor and the second pneumatic support and adapted to maintain apressure of the second pneumatic support to maintain the position of thesecond portion of the second rack between the first range of distancerelative to the second portion of the first rack.
 16. The mobileequipment rack assembly of claim 12, wherein the dampening devicecomprises: a conductive element; and a magnetorheological devicedisplaced within the conductive element and coupled to the second rackand the platform.
 17. The mobile equipment rack assembly of claim 16,wherein the dampening device further comprises: a pulse width modulatorcoupled to the conductive element and adapted to provide a pulse widthmodulated signal to the conductive element, the conductive element beingadapted to produce a variable magnitude magnetic field in response tothe pulse width modulated signal; and a potentiometer coupled to thepulse width modulator and adapted to provide a programmably staticcontrol signal to the pulse width modulator, the pulse width modulatorbeing adapted to adjust a duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signalin response to the programmably static control signal.
 18. The mobileequipment rack assembly of claim 12, wherein the dampening devicecomprises: a right-angle drive coupled to the second rack and theplatform; and a magnetorheological device coupled to the right-angledrive and the platform, wherein the magnetorheological device is adaptedto actuate through the right-angle drive to dampen movement of thesecond rack within the first range of distance.
 19. (canceled) 20.(canceled)